Quebec City is a place steeped in history, with its cobblestone streets, majestic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. As Canada’s oldest city, Quebec City offers visitors a rare opportunity to step back in time while enjoying modern-day luxuries. One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and culture is by taking a guided tour. Whether you prefer walking, biking, or even riding in a horse-drawn carriage, Quebec City offers a variety of guided tours that cater to every type of traveler.

1. Walking Tours of Old Quebec

Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec) is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a walking tour is the best way to explore its narrow streets, charming squares, and historic landmarks. Several companies offer guided walking tours that dive deep into the city’s rich past, local stories, and hidden gems.

Les Tours du Vieux Québec

One of the most popular walking tour companies in Quebec City, Les Tours du Vieux Québec offers a range of tours that cover both well-known sites and lesser-known corners of the city. They have historical tours, themed tours (like haunted walks or culinary explorations), and family-friendly excursions. Whether you're interested in the battlefields of the Plains of Abraham or the quaint boutiques of Petit-Champlain, their guides bring history to life with fascinating stories and detailed explanations.

Quebec City Free Walking Tours

For those on a budget or looking for a more flexible experience, Quebec City Free Walking Tours is a great option. As the name suggests, these tours operate on a tip-based system, meaning you pay what you think the tour was worth. The guides are enthusiastic locals with deep knowledge of Quebec’s history and culture. Tours include the Old Quebec district and can also focus on specific themes like the history of the French and English rivalry, or the architecture of the city.

Best For: History buffs, first-time visitors, those who prefer exploring on foot.

2. Haunted and Ghost Tours

With its centuries-old history, Quebec City is home to plenty of spooky stories. If you enjoy a touch of mystery, a haunted tour through the city’s eerie streets is a must.

Ghost Tours of Quebec City

One of the most popular ghost tours in the city, Ghost Tours of Quebec City offers a spine-tingling evening stroll through Old Quebec’s dark alleys and haunted landmarks. Led by experienced guides, these tours reveal the city's supernatural past, including ghostly encounters, old cemeteries, and haunted buildings. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, these tours are an entertaining and atmospheric way to learn about the darker side of Quebec City’s history.

Quebec City Haunted Walk

Another great option for ghost enthusiasts is the Quebec City Haunted Walk. This guided tour takes you through historic locations like the Château Frontenac and the Citadel, both of which have long-standing ghost legends. The storytellers combine historical facts with spooky tales to create an unforgettable experience. The tours usually take place at night, adding an extra element of mystery.

Best For: Fans of the supernatural, those looking for a unique twist on historical tours.

3. Food Tours: A Taste of Quebec City

One of the best ways to experience a city is through its food, and Quebec City has a rich culinary heritage. Guided food tours will introduce you to local delicacies, Quebecois specialties, and hidden eateries that you might miss on your own.

Québec City Food Tours

Offering several food-centric experiences, Québec City Food Tours takes visitors through the city's best gastronomic districts. Their "Tastes of Old Quebec" tour allows you to sample local cheeses, charcuterie, pastries, and Quebec’s famous maple syrup. You’ll also learn about the city’s French roots and how local ingredients are incorporated into traditional dishes like poutine and tourtière.

Culinary Tours by Local Experts

For a deeper dive into Quebec’s culinary culture, consider booking a guided tour with Culinary Tours of Quebec City. These tours focus on small, family-run restaurants, cafés, and artisanal food shops. As you taste your way through the city, your guide will share stories about Quebec’s food culture, the best markets to visit, and how to recreate some of the delicious dishes at home.

Best For: Foodies, those looking to experience Quebec's local flavors, couples, and groups.

4. Biking Tours: Explore the City on Two Wheels

If you prefer a more active way to explore Quebec City, biking tours provide an excellent way to cover more ground while still enjoying a guided experience. The city’s well-maintained bike paths and scenic routes make it perfect for cycling tours.

Québec City Bike Tours

Led by experienced guides, Québec City Bike Tours takes visitors on scenic routes that cover Old Quebec, the Plains of Abraham, and the St. Lawrence River waterfront. Their "Historical Bike Tour" is a great way to learn about Quebec’s storied past while biking through beautiful parks and landmarks. For those who want a little more adventure, there are also tours that take you along the river or out to nearby Montmorency Falls.

Cyclo-Tourisme Québec

Another excellent option for bike enthusiasts, Cyclo-Tourisme Québec offers both guided cycling tours and rentals. You can take a leisurely ride along the St. Lawrence River or join a tour that includes the picturesque countryside surrounding the city. The guides are knowledgeable and provide insights into the region’s geography, culture, and history.

Best For: Active travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, families, and those looking to explore a bit more of the natural landscape.

5. Private & Custom Tours

If you’re looking for a more personalized experience, private tours are the way to go. Whether you're interested in exploring Quebec City’s historic sites, taking a deep dive into its art scene, or customizing a tour to focus on your personal interests, private guides offer flexibility and expertise.

Tours Voir Québec

Offering private and customizable tours, Tours Voir Québec allows you to craft the perfect itinerary based on your interests. Whether you want to explore the city’s heritage, take a food-focused tour, or visit nearby attractions like Montmorency Falls, their expert guides will design a personalized experience just for you.

Quebec Private Tours

For a highly tailored experience, Quebec Private Tours offers exclusive, small-group tours. You can focus on specific areas of interest—whether that’s history, art, or nature—and the guides will adapt the pace and content to match your needs. This is ideal for travelers with limited time or those who want to dive deeper into certain aspects of the city.

Best For: Couples, families, groups, or anyone looking for a tailored and intimate tour experience.

6. Boat Tours & River Cruises

Quebec City is located along the St. Lawrence River, and there’s no better way to appreciate its beautiful waterfront than from a boat. Several companies offer guided boat tours that provide stunning views of the city from the water.

Québec City River Cruises

A great way to see Quebec City from a different perspective, Québec City River Cruises offers boat tours that explore the St. Lawrence River. From historic commentary to breathtaking views of the Château Frontenac and the Old Port, these cruises provide a unique and relaxing experience. In the summer, you can also take advantage of sunset cruises, which offer spectacular views of the city and surrounding landscapes.

Cruise to Montmorency Falls

If you’re interested in seeing the famous Montmorency Falls, consider booking a boat cruise from Quebec City. These tours give you the chance to get up close to the falls, which are even more stunning from the water. Along the way, you’ll also hear about the history of the area and the falls’ significance to the region.

Best For: Scenic views, photography enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those looking to relax on the water.

Conclusion

Discover the Best of Quebec City with Guided Tours

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, a ghost huguidenter, or an outdoor enthusiast, Quebec City has the perfect guided tour to suit your interests. From walking tours through its historic streets to food tours that tantalize your taste buds, these guided experiences will help you discover the magic of one of Canada’s most charming cities. In 2025, make the most of your Quebec City adventure by choosing a tour that enhances your exploration and allows you to see the city through the eyes of a local expert. Happy exploring!